Cybernetic Control

The concept of cybernetic systems only arose with the advent of electronic computing systems and the realization of the homology between the human nervous system, and its intelligent functioning, and that of computing systems and their potential for intelligent functioning.

The entire foundation of cognitive science research, especially of "hard" AI, has been the achievement of automated systems that are human-like in their intelligence capabilities. The degree to which systems integration can be achieved by means of digital and electronic information processing remains as yet unknown and unfulfilled, but it is now expected to be greater than anyone now might imagine.

Providing feedback, in the context to a Automaton that is capable of modifying input and adjusting output on a continuous and dynamic basis, forms the basis for all systems and the degree to which this is achieved in systems should be taken as a measure of their relative complexity and sophistication.

What is lacking from a meta-systems standpoint is a clear-cut objective theory and methodology about cybernetic control systems in general, and applied systems in particular. I think such a scientific framework would go a considerable ways toward the development of a viable automated meta-system that permits the intelligent integration of systems upon multiple levels. I have not yet approached this problem set specifically, though I have sought to outline it, and the elaboration of such a problem set or its outline remains beyond the scope of this present article or this current newsletter, though it will be dealt with in greater detail in future publications in this section.

Such control mechanisms that occur in the world take many forms. As we explore different kinds of systems at many different levels of systems articulation, we find many interesting examples of feedback mechanisms that serve purposes of maintaining cybernetic control over systems. In highly elaborate and differentiated systems, cybernetic control becomes itself elaborated and specialized between different functions and sub-functions. 

The Xyztems domain has been designated and set up for the purpose of developing cybernetic control mechanisms in all areas of the Omniprise.net framework, as well as in all areas of interrelation between this framework and the larger world. Much of this is new ground, and we are yet in exploration of its possibilities and spaces.

Most such mechanisms are the basis of projects that are organized within Xyztems and its associated sub-frameworks. Many control mechanisms in the world are not advertized and are usually background. Such mechanisms tend to serve many different  purposes in a complicated and increasingly diverse world. Some of the functions relevant to ourselves include: 

1. Security; protection of people, resources, property and information within the framework, and relating to the framework, as well as extended meta-system protection encompassing security frameworks for larger world contexts. Security includes some of the following concerns: Encryption, Password Protection, Hidden systems, back-up systems, Protection from attacks involving Viruses, Spam, Hacking, various forms of Fraud, Vandalism, or Violence or Violation of Personal or Property Rights.
2. System-state monitoring; systems that are capable of continuously or periodically providing a system-state check at critical points, including: Traffic flow, Tracking, E-mail, Linking, Client feedback & satisfaction, emergent Web-development patterns, etc.
3. Infrastructure management and development; including resource availability, acquisition, organization and storage; communication services and activities
4. Network management and development; including hyper-linking, submission, contacts, mailing and emailing systems, marketing frameworks, advertising, information control, image management, etc.
5. Organizational management and development; organizational management involves planning, scheduling, prioritization, human resource development, partnering and the development of affiliate frameworks, etc.
6. Structural management and development; including production systems development, tool and technology frameworks, work-station and work center development, resource management frameworks
7. Environmental-state monitoring; external state monitoring systems include surveillance systems, alarm systems of various kinds, weather monitoring systems, temperature and climate control systems, habitation systems monitoring, etc.
8. Monitoring and Management of External State development: Management and development of feedback mechanisms mediating relations between internal and external systems and subsystems components

The problem and issues surrounding the concept of cybernetic control are important and central to the development of Omniprise.net and will be dealt with more thoroughly in future editions in this section.